Beat the Heat

Heat waves or long periods of extreme heat can have serious impacts on people's health. It’s important to plan ahead and be prepared this summer.

Heat and health

During extremely hot weather, it is easy to become dehydrated or for your body to overheat.

Exposure to high temperatures can lead to life-threatening heat-related illness such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. More commonly, heat can make existing chronic illness worse. This can have equally serious consequences such as inducing a heart attack in someone who has a heart condition.

Who is at greater risk from heat?

Everyone needs to take care in hot weather but some people are at higher risk of heat illness, including:

Older adults, because they are more likely to have chronic disease

Pregnant women, because they may be more sensitive to the effects of heat

Infants and young children, because they spend more time outdoors engaged in physical activity

People who have a chronic or acute illness, like heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease or gastroenteritis (diarrhoea and/or vomiting)

People who take certain medications, which can make it more difficult to keep cool during hot weather

People working in a hot environment, for example labourers, gardeners, fire fighters

People who live alone or are socially isolated

Steps to reduce risk

Keep yourself cool

Wear loose fitting clothing

Stay out of the sun

Try to be indoors during the hottest part of the day.

Close windows and doors to keep the heat out. Curtains with light-coloured lining can help to reflect heat.

Use air conditioning if you have it. Fans can also be effective

Stay hydrated by drinking water

Avoid alcoholic, hot or sugary drinks including tea and coffee (they can make dehydration worse)

If you go outside, carry a bottle of water with you

Look out for each other

Keep in contact with elderly friends, neighbours and relatives during a heat wave in case you or they need any help.

Plan ahead for the heat

Keep an eye on the weather forecast

Prepare yourself, house or apartment before the heat arrives

Know who to call if you need help

Follow your doctor’s advice if you have any have any medical conditions